Culver City ARTWALK follow up

tara mcpherson @ blk/mrkt gallery


johnny robertson@ george billis gallery


derek buckner @ george billis gallery


michelle muldrow @ george billis gallery

In what felt like 100 degree weather and wearing heels worn down to nubs, I did indeed make it through the Culver City ARTWALK this weekend.
The arts disctrict of Culver City is pathetic. I don't mean it in the sense that, "Oh my God, that's like soooo pathetic!" but rather in the dictionary definition sense of, "arousing pity, esp. through vulnerability or sadness".
In addition, I was probably the only person under 60 years of age participating in the tour.
With all this being said, there were a couple of gems that stood out in my quiet journey:

-The George Billis Gallery located at 2716 S. La Cienega Blvd., has a vast collection of talented artists and photographers. Walking into the gallery, one gets the feeling that Edward Hopper has channeled into the bodies of many of the artists. See above the rural and urban depictions by Buckner and Muldrow for example. Both create soft features and have settings within the early evening glow. One of my favorites pieces is the above entitled "Imperial Exit" by Johnny Robertson.

- BLK/MRKT Gallery at 6009 Washington Blvd. is currently showing dozens of pieces by contemporary artist Tara Mcpherson. Mcpherson is the go-to girl for concert posters. Her artistry has been used by some of the hottest indie bands such as Interpol, Modest Mouse, Death Cab For Cutie and big name staples such as Duran Duran, Green Day, and Depeche Mode.

-Corey Helford Gallery is located at 8522 Washington Blvd. With pieces entitled, "Dead People are Bugs", "Doll Parts", and "His Baggage Always Seems to get in the Way", one can sense what this gallery is all about. By far, my favorite piece during the whole walk is of a pencil drawing of an adorable but sad ewe. On his tiny little leg is a clamp and chain. Blood is trickling down from underneath the clamp. Attached to the chain is a bear trap. Within the bear trap is a tiny broken heart. The ewe stands over the heart tempting to retrieve it. The piece is called "Back for More" by Jason Maloney.

So, see? This stuff is pretty cool, right? Check out the Culver City art galleries and bring the place to life why don't ya?